The artwork entitled “Moon Dog” was created by Rufino Tamayo in 1973. An exemplification of Expressionism, this piece falls within the genre of animal painting. With its vivid use of color and emotive representation, it conveys the artist’s perspective in a manner that’s characteristic of the Expressionist movement.
In the artwork, we observe a canine figure set against a nocturnal backdrop, dominated by a deep blue hue that suggests a nighttime sky. The dog is depicted with exaggerated features, capturing its vigorous howl towards a crescent moon. The use of stark, contrasting colors for the dog against the arresting blue background imparts a profound sense of intensity and animation to the subject. The animal’s posture and open mouth indicate a dynamic moment frozen in time, imbued with an almost mythical or primal energy. Tamayo’s handling of form and hue in this artwork exemplifies his capacity to infuse traditional subjects with contemporary significance and emotional depth.
